PHOTO: Sugar Mountain, near Boone and Banner Elk. (Photo via Flickr/Mark Clifton)

If you’re a skier or snowboarder living on the east coast, but don’t have the travel budget to get to the slopes of Colorado or Montana, North Carolina has a slew of ski resort offerings. Granted the slopes won’t be as huge or challenging as one might find out west, but there are many levels of skill to be found, along with a plethora of opportunities to learn.

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort lies under the radar in upper west NC, just a few miles from the Tennessee state line and 40 minutes from Asheville. Base camp is located within the gated community of Wolf Laurel, which provides a vast selection of VRBO options for large families. Another choice for lodging is further up the next mountain in Wolf Ridge, connected by both double and quad chair lifts. Here you’ll find rentals hanging off the mountain with breathtaking views along with a glassed-in pool providing drop dead vistas.

Tube runs are located close by, which provide a great outing for the kids. When Mother Nature needs help the snow guns operate if the temps cooperate. A stay in Wolf Laurel provides the opportunity to visit Bald Mountain, which is intersected by the Appalachian Trail and NC/TN state border. While no skiing is allowed up there, you’ll be amazed at the 360 degree views of both states and have an opportunity to trek a portion of the AT.

Insider Tip: Head down the mountain for breakfast at the Little Creek Café. You’ll be fortified for a day on the slopes. And, if you’re 65 or older you’ll enjoy free lift tickets.

Sapphire Valley Resort, located close to Highlands and Cashiers, offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing along with a winter zip line, The Vordach. Built more than 50 years ago, Austrian ski instructors were once on site to teach and entertain skiers. The name Vordach is Austrian/German for ‘The Canopy.’

There are ample opportunities for lodging, including hotels and VRBO listings, as well as restaurants and shopping in town.  Ski lessons are offered along with equipment rental.

Insider Tip: This is a great place for first time skiers and offers lessons for the kids

Sugar Mountain Resort, in the Boone/Banner Elk area, offers 21 trails (15 at night) and 8 lifts, also providing opportunities for tubing and ice skating. Lodging on Sugar Mountain can be found in the form of hotels and condos in and around Banner Elk, along with a multitude of restaurants.

In addition to children’s ski lessons, the kids might bump into Sugar Mountain Resort’s mascots, Sugar

Bear & Sweetie Bear. They can be spotted throughout the lodge or on the slopes. If you’re there over the holidays, Santa will be visible throughout the resort. Childcare is also available if an adult getaway is on the agenda.

Insider Tip: Anyone 70 and older can qualify for complimentary skiing/riding at Sugar Mountain Resort.

Appalachian Ski Mountain, near Boone and Blowing Rock, boasts being the first ski area in Northwestern North Carolina and the second oldest ski area in the State. Built in the mid 60’s, Olympic gold medalist Jean Claude Killy, astronaut Charles Duke, and the Rossignol Racing Team, have visited this site and skied its slopes. They marked the start of the era of skiing in the south.

With twelve slopes and two terrain parks, Apski offers Midnight Blast Weekends all season on Friday and Saturday nights. The resort is also equipped for weddings and catering events in High Country, with chairlift service for nuptials on top of the mountain.

Insider Tip: If you buy your ticket online, you get an extra hour free.

Beech Mountain Resort – Another family friendly ski area adjacent to Banner Elk is Beech Mountain Resort. Along with all the usual amenities, you’ll find a treat at the top of the highest ski area in eastern America. Accessible only by chairlift, the Skybar sits at 5506′ offering sandwiches and snacks to hungry skiers and snowboarders.

The resort includes an Alpine Village offering ice skating, a game room, coffee shop, retail store, ski repair/rental shop, and a snack shop. Lodging can be had in the form of VRBO chalet rentals as well as hotels and condos.

Insider Tip: The Beech Mountain Brewing Co., lies within Alpine Village, with opportunities to try their Beech Blonde, Wee Heavy Bevvy Scotch Ale and Powderbowl IPA, among others.